We’re here. After months of anticipation and preparation, we finally made it to Nashville, TN for the 2015 BlogPaws conference! I’m so excited!!!!
Our flight left from Phoenix, AZ bright and early at 6am yesterday. We traveled with our friends Kama, Polly Pocket and Porky pig from Kama Love’s Agility. Wynston did amazing at the airport and on the airplane. I’m so happy I ended up purchasing a new carrier for him. It really helped to have a window that opened up on the top so Wyn could stick his head out.
After our 3 hour flight, we checked in to the Sheraton Music City hotel. It’s absolutely beautiful. I really love the vintage, Nashville charm it has. Of course, the scenery helps! We aren’t used to so many trees and grass, so we appreciate the change! We could definitely do without this insane humidity though…
We had a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. Originally we planned to go downtown but it started storming as soon as we got to the hotel. Honestly, I didn’t mind too much because we rarely get to experience thunderstorms. I ended up getting a quick nap in before the ice cream social!
The best part about yesterday was meeting all of the amazing bloggers that inspire, help and support me. The BlogPaws community is such a fantastic group of people. It was so much fun to meet everyone in person, and to have people come up to me who read my blog or follow Wynston. It’s been very humbling!
Day 2:
This morning a local Nashville news station came to the hotel to showcase this huge pet blogging event! Many of us gathered in the lobby while the news crew interviewed influential bloggers and took video of the cute dogs, cats, hamsters and rats that were in our company.
Around 10:30am we went back up to the room to relax a bit before the exhibit hall of sponsors opened up at noon. The room was wall to wall companies and people. It was much too overwhelming for Wynston. I attempted to carry him in one arm and my bag in the other while talking to brands but it just didn’t work out. I figure I’ll speak to several companies each day so I don’t stress Wynston out too much. The good news is, I did make 4 awesome connections with companies today that I’m looking very forward to working with!
From 1-4pm, I went to a workshop about how to write and improve sponsored posts. I knew most of the content that was talked about but it was nice to see other examples and hear the facts from expert bloggers. Afterwards we went to our room for an hour before the yappy hour, where we roamed and chatted over appetizers with other bloggers.
The opening conference remarks took place from 6:15-7pm. The president from Mars Petcare, the main BlogPaws sponsor, gave a wonderful speech and showed some great videos. It was also announced that the BlogPaws 2016 conference will be in ARIZONA!!!!!!!! OMG! It’s going to be 20 minutes from my house!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Party at my house!
Wynston has had a bit of an upset tummy since we got to Nashville. Luckily after dinner tonight he finally went to the bathroom. Now we’re resting (well, I’m working) in the hotel room and preparing for our busy day tomorrow! Day 3 here we come!
Lara Elizabeth says
I’m so, so excited that the conference will be in Phoenix next year because it makes going a possibility for me. I am really happy you wrote these recaps as it gives me an idea of what to expect. Boca can get overwhelmed by crowds and loud noises so I think we have some work to do to be more comfortable. Do many people leave their dogs crated in their rooms for part of the day?
Amanda says
I REALLY hope you can make it! Next year I’m definitely going to take Wynston for a day, then leave him home for one, then take him, etc. I will also have his stroller next time – it’ll make things so much easier. I don’t know of anyone who crated their dogs in their rooms. I did walk by a couple of rooms where I heard dogs barking loudly, but the Sheraton will charge you $100 every time someone complains about barking in your room >< I think a lot of people are nervous about leaving their dogs in a room but if you think Boca would be quiet, you should be fine.
Lara Elizabeth says
Yeah, I’m pretty certain she would just sleep, although if she heard other dogs barking that might set her off. One nice thing about Boca is that even if I bring her with me, she can likely sleep through anything. She used to fall asleep when the instructor was talking in her obedience class! I might just have to schedule downtime for us like you did with Wynston.
Andrea @ This Pug Life says
Both of my dogs slept during the sessions. I thought Molly would get antsy and I’d need to check her into doggy daycare for parts of the day, but in reality she passed out and then didn’t want to wake up and leave when our classes were over! LOL. I ended up barely using the daycare at all.
Amanda says
Wynston slept through the sessions also but next year I’ll have his stroller. It will be much easier for me and less stressful on him.
Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner says
I’m jealous of the view from your room. We had a view of the rooftop and some kind of huge fan. It must have been venting from the kitchen because sometimes our room smelled like bacon. Ha, ha.
Amanda says
Well that would have made me hungry…
Have you seen the photos of next year’s hotel?! It’s extremely luxurious. Even though I live 20 mins away, I may stay for a night just because it’s SO gorgeous!
Christina Berry | The Lazy Pit Bull says
I love reading about the conference from other people’s points of view! I’m so glad you were able to make it! I loved meeting you and Wynston (and Kama and her teeny, tiny ones!), and can’t wait to read about the rest of your experience!
Amanda says
I’m so glad you hunted me down so we could meet. Hopefully next year we can get some more time together to chat!
Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) says
Wynston is so cute! It looks like you had a blast in Nashville! I hope I can go sometime! I love his new carrier!
Amanda says
Aww thank you! The carrier was awesome. I recommend Sturdi bag to anyone!
kim says
Loved this post. Looks like you were having a great first and second day! I was so excited that it would be on the west side this year but now sad that I forgot that it was my cousins wedding date. 2017 I will be booking may-june and telling people I cannot do anything until the date is released 🙂 Cant wait to meet everyone! I think Blogpaws should happen twice a year 😀
Amanda says
I know that the conference did happen twice in one year – I believe the first year they did it and it was SO crazy! But wouldn’t that be awesome?! I really hope you make it next year 🙂